The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-09
TIE LEGISLATURES RECORD.
Needed Legislation That Failed Through
Democratic Revolutionary Methods.
Aowdlegislators We're Misled by the Bluster
and Threats of Usurper Smith-Repnb
Iicans " no Made Admirable Records.

The Fifty Ss.s General Assembly will not be
known for ts extravaganza in legislation Some
meritorious measures were left incomplete
through the peculiar conditions Democratic at
tempts to subyert the will of tho people brought
about. In these attempts lay the whole trouble
They began with Green Smiths illegal and ar
bitrary assumption of authority in calling the
Senate to order and directing its organization to
suit his purposes, and closed with the brutal
ejectment of the Lieutenant governor from the
chamber when he demanded of Smith surren-
der of tue peroGratives usurped by him. Hardly
day passed that did not lead to some aggravat-
ing act on the part of Smith and his submissive
supporters. The Republicans in their desire to
do nothing outside Of the Constitution and law,
exhibited remarkable forbearance. but theirlead-
met these aggressons of reckless tyranny
with a faith in the justice and legality of their
cause that often worried the men whose only
policy was to beat down opposition and consritu-
tioral requirements by despotic force. Smith
aud his friends. when the Supreme Court decis-
ion to rout their hopes and pretenses of be-
ing constitutonally masters of tho situation, felt
Shey had gone too far TO make complete sur
GENDER. There Is no doubt but that they
she opportunity offered. AS day after
day the Republicans remained firm in their po-
Sition the greater became the worry Of the
Democrats. particularly to Smith and his i'm
mediate supporters. The Senator from Jen-
nings for week more before tho adjourn
mont, lost his buoyant assertiveness, and as the
end approached his demeauor in the Senate was
marked By suenness that told of the ranking
disappointment in rot being able to break the
dead lock on his own terms. On the other
hand, many Democrats in both houses were
ready to accept the result of Lieutenant-gov
error Robertsons election. had their caucus so
decided. 1t WAS by slender maority. for in
stance, that the Democratic Senators decided
not to elect president pro tenn. The vote stood
16 to l5 in favor of Smith. 1t was late Monday
afternoon that Democratic Representative
said II am glad the end is so near. am tired
OF this political wrangle, and were at the be-
ginning of the session again my course would be
different We have upheld Green Smith when
the convictions of many of were opposed to
his claims. There fifteen twenty Demo
syrats in the House who feel as do. The whole
matter has been one dictated by party caucus. ="
Other Democrats expressed their fears of the re-
Quilts Of 1883, admitting that their party would
60 into that campaign greatly handicapped by
the position taken and maintained throughout
the session
Thus legislation suffered through the Democ-
racy letting a sentiment forced on them by
threats Of political bravadoes guide them rather
than reason, justice and constitutional observ-
ance. In the midst of feyerish and oftentimeS
mands and the needs of the people to be lost
sight of IN their efforts to redeem themselves
from the honest defeat that befell the party last
fall. But aside from politics the General AS
sembly was capable of good legislative work.
Both the Senate and House had men Of brains
and legislative strength in them. The age of
the majority would not average thirty five years.
but even the younger and less experienced
showed solicitude for their constituency and
in investigation that promised excellent
results had the time been more propitious. Ma
rion county-and it is not depreciating the
merits of other members in saying So
had an exceptionally good delegation.
Senator Winters legal attachments
rendered his service Invaluable, and
cal storm in the Senate when party legislative
matters would come up, he was relied upon in
several emergencies to make clear the legal com
peatlons that might arise. On parliamentary
law and rulings his ability was the less
forcibe in driving the Democrats to desperation
In maintaining their position. His appellate
court bill failed only through the deadlock. II
was duplicated in the House by Representative
Niblack and passed. In the Senate it was pend
ing on second reading with favorable commit
tee report 1t came in contact with several
other measures for this purpose, but the White,
bill was the only that had any chance of be
coming law. Representative Griffiths began
his legislative career with this Assembly, and
his accomplishments were such as to make him
the first OF tho orators of the House. Besides
this ne applied an intelligence to legislation OF
to whatever work he had to do that indicates
promising future. Representative Morse was
the conservative chairman on labor His service
in this position and on the floor was dis
tinguished by honesty of purpose and
intelligent methods. He was free from
fulsomoness and in everything proceeded with
care that distinguished him safe legislator
Representative Caven as chairman of the com
mittee on ways and means. faithfully directed
the application Of the resources of the State
He managed this business with a system that i
has needed for many years. He took the foo
on but few occasions. When he had anything
to say he said it directly and in the fewest words
possible. He was always at his desk and noted
every step in LEGISLATION no matter how small
the measure might be. The same Legislature
could be returned free from political questions
and accomplish greater good for the State
though the readiness and firmness of Speaker
Sayre. the ability of Representative Gardiner
the conscientious committee work of Represent
atives Sinclair Linck and many others of tn,
Republican side equally worthy Of prominence
In the Senate, Senator Huston especially
showed his inestimable worth, as did others O
his eide in the chamber 1t was good Leeis
lature, but the Democrats, notwithstanding
their capability for better work, wrecked it.
SHOT DEAn TUP0UCU A WJNnnU